Archery options worth a shot

Summer is a great time for the shooting sports in the Capital Region, including the oldest shooting sport of all — archery. Developing the level of proficiency needed for bowhunting in the fall takes plenty of practice, but that's where the fun is. Locally, we have several clubs that are sponsoring 3-D target shoots throughout the summer.

The Sportsmen's Club of Clifton Park has a 3-D shoot schedule that goes throughout the summer. The club has a full course and a number of other amenities. Its schedule and address and contact information are available on its website at http://www.scocp.org.

In the Hudson Valley, a number of clubs have banded together and formed a 3-D shooting league. The clubs include the Glencadia Rod & Gun Club, Nassau Sportsmen's Club, Philmont Rod & Gun Club, and Tri-Village Bowhunters. The website and schedule are available at the following address: http://www.hudsonvalleyarcheryassociation.com.

3-D shooting is a lot different than field archery. The courses consist of foam targets that duplicate various big and small game animals, and they are usually laid out to present the typical shots that a bowhunter would get in the woods. Some of the stations are often very challenging, including logs or obstacles that could be hit if you miss the target.

One of the biggest benefits in attending one of these shooting competitions is getting to meet and shoot with other archers and comparing notes on equipment and setups of their bows. Today's compound bows are much more technologically advanced compared to the compounds of 20 years ago or even 10 years ago, and keeping them properly tuned for maximum accuracy isn't something that the average archer knows. Being around experienced shooters and learning the ropes is well worth attending a 3-D shoot.

Speaking of equipment, while you can certainly purchase bows, arrows, and accessories from a variety of online suppliers, one thing that you typically don't get with those purchases is knowledge. Going to one of our area archery pro shops and getting the right equipment that is suitable for an individual archer is worth the price as everything else is trial and error. There are some great local shops and most have an indoor range where you can try out things.

If you've never given a 3-D shoot a try, check out and support our local clubs at one of these area events.

Finally this week, the Iroquois Rod and Gun Club is having an innovative event, a "Sportsmen's Garage Sale," which will feature items from all the outdoor sports including hunting, fishing, camping, trapping, target shooting, reloading, archery and hiking. There will also be collectibles, tools and other useful items. Firearms will not be sold, though, and firearms should not be brought to the event. Vendors will also be present at the garage sale.

The Iroquois Club is located at 590 Feuz Road, in Rotterdam. The garage sale will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 10. It is a great opportunity to pick up some gear for fall at a good price, or maybe even a one-of-a-kind treasure.